Are you a Christian who is considering divorce?
Have you fallen out of love with your spouse?
Trapped in an unhappy marriage?
Is the physical attraction gone?
Are you unable to agree on anything?
Is your marriage sexless?
Are the hurts so deep, you cannot forgive them?
Society says these are all justifiable reasons to divorce. Society encourages you believe the pain of divorce is worth the possibility of a better future, where your personal desires are met fully. When you are miserable, the grass always looks greener on the other side and society encourages the belief that divorce is a means of problem solving.
What does the Bible say about divorce?
God declares in Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce!” Notice as you read this, God does not say He hates the person who divorces their mate. God loves His children, and wants the best for them, even when they go against His plan for their lives. Nowhere in the Bible do we read divorce is permissible because we have fallen out of love, or the physical attraction is gone. It is never His plan for us to divorce because we have nothing in common, or feel we are not getting our needs met. God had a very different plan for marriage. If you have given up hope for your marriage, and see no option but divorce, this may be hard to read.
What does the Bible say about God’s purpose in marriage?
Genesis tells us God created male and female in his image (Gen 1:27). God decided it was not good for man to be alone, and created a suitable helper for him (Gen 2:18). God planned for the man and the woman to marry when He said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh (Gen 2:24).” God had several purposes in mind for this union or marriage. First, he wanted the couple to share companionship and complete each other. They were to mirror His image for the rest of the world, and to nurture their children multiplying a Godly legacy. Is the state of your marriage so far removed from this Biblical description of marriage, there is no evidence you are a believer? Be encouraged. God is not finished with you or your marriage.
What does the Bible say about divorce being OK? Are there exceptions?
The Bible says divorce is permissible in the case of adultery or marital unfaithfulness (Matt 5:31-32). The key word here is that it is permissible. Divorce is an option. There is no command to divorce. Paul wrote divorce was permissible on the grounds of desertion by the unbelieving spouse, who is married to a believer (1 Cor 7:15). Physical, sexual, and mental abuse, that endangers a spouse or child, is punishable by law. Most Christian faiths consider divorce acceptable in the case of abuse and endangerment. Mark 10: 2-12 says, “Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” It is clear – no Biblical grounds for divorce exist on the basis of incompatibility, poor communication, lack of love, growing apart over time, or the myriad of other reasons justified by society.
If you are Christian considering divorce, make an appointment at The Center for Family Unity. We are experts in helping couples work through and heal from the seemingly unsolvable issues leading couples to consider divorce. We deal daily with the consequences of divorce – the confusion and pain it can bring children when a marriage is destroyed, and the disappointment that follows in realizing divorce wasn’t a solution – it was just a means to trade one set of problems for another set of often more complex problems.
As Christian counselors, we know nothing is impossible for the God that not only created marriage, but also wants to restore your marriage. We can help you learn to forgive, and be set free from pain and bitterness. We will support you as you seek God’s wisdom, healing, and peace, and a fresh beginning.
Be encouraged. God is not finished with you or your marriage. This post was written for you, for this time in your life. “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future, and a hope (Jer 29:11).” Contact us today to schedule your free 20 minute consultation.